The Pharaoh's princess

Dream 5

Renee – POV

When we finally got home from the dance, I kicked off my heels with a dramatic groan. "My feet are suing me for cruelty," I muttered. Annavi snorted as she tried—and failed—to reach the zipper on her dress.

"Help me out before I rip this thing," she grumbled.

I laughed and went over to help her, and then she returned the favor. Once free of our formal wear, we both took turns in the bathroom to wash off the makeup, glitter, and stress of the night. The warm water relaxed my sore muscles and helped ease the tension Axel had carved into my memory.

By the time we settled under the covers, the house was quiet. Peaceful.

And then—

Darkness.

I was in the dream again. That strange, dimly lit room with the mirror that had become far too familiar.

Drawn to it, I approached, hands trembling slightly. The surface rippled like water, and I was pulled in—

Princess Neferet – POV

The court had grown quieter since my father's passing. With the new Pharaoh seated—one who held no blood ties to me—I was technically no longer a princess. The weight of expectation had lessened, but uncertainty grew heavier in its place.

I walked the stone halls of the palace in soft sandals, the silk of my gown brushing my ankles. Servants whispered behind me, though their voices faded into the quiet echoes of the ancient corridors.

I descended the stairs, but my foot slipped against the edge of the stone.

Strong arms caught me.

I gasped and looked up—straight into the eyes of my personal guard, Aten.

His face was partially covered by a mask that wrapped from the bridge of his nose down to his chin, concealing his mouth and jaw. The veil-like fabric gave him a mysterious air, but his eyes—those eyes—had always stood out. Deep, clear, and hauntingly kind. He steadied me gently, his hand lingering a moment too long before he stepped back.

"Forgive me, Princess," he said, voice low and composed.

"No... Thank you," I murmured, suddenly shy.

He was always just there. Reliable, quiet, sometimes even clumsy in a charming sort of way. But in that moment, something shifted. Instead of just a dutiful guard, I saw a man.

And I liked what I saw.

Idris – POV

I got home feeling both elated and furious. That i***t had really left a bruise on my princess. I got him good, but I wish I could’ve knocked out all his teeth. My mom handed me an ice pack—he had managed to land a few punches too. Still, I was just relieved Renee was safe and that he was finally behind bars.

As I lay in bed, my thoughts swirled between anger and something softer. I had gotten not one, but two kisses from Renee. I'd gladly take another hit to the face if it meant reliving that moment. Things between us were still undefined, but I knew she liked me just as much as I liked her.

Eventually, I drifted off—and woke up in Egypt again.

Inside the Pharaoh’s body.

Great. Time to watch him embarrass himself again… or so I thought.

He was following the princess, who seemed lost in thought. Suddenly, she tripped—and he caught her, fast. So fast, even I barely had time to register it.

Looking at her through his eyes, it was obvious. He had it bad.

But something in the way she looked at us had changed too. The way her gaze lingered—softer now, almost admiring. She didn’t see a fool anymore.

She saw him.

Rahotep – POV

I caught my princess before she fell. I couldn’t let her be harmed. She felt like a feather in my arms—warm, delicate. Her scent, her nearness, it all overwhelmed me.

Amon’s lessons on guard etiquette echoed in my head. I lowered my gaze and murmured an apology, but she wasn’t angry. No scowl, no dismissive words. Instead, she reached for my chin and gently tilted my face back up to hers. Her touch sent a chill down my spine. I liked this side of her.

Day by day, we spent more time together. She began to request me personally, and it became clear she was struggling with her role. No longer heir, no longer truly a princess—but by my order, she retained her title and dignity.

With her hostility softened, she began to see the real me. We joked. We laughed. And sometimes, she stood so close I could feel the tension humming between us.

I knew what I wanted—her love, freely given. I could’ve ordered her to be mine. But I wouldn’t. That wasn’t the path to her heart.

Renee – POV

I could feel her emotions like they were my own—her curiosity, her hope, her quiet thrill.

But who was he, really? His voice… his energy… they stirred something in me.

I saw only what she saw. Aten, the mysterious, kind-eyed guard.

But in my heart, I knew.

It was him. Idris.

I hadn’t seen his face, not fully. But after last night, I would know those eyes anywhere.

Princess Neferet – POV

I found more and more excuses to be near him. Aten was attentive, silent yet steady. When he did speak, his words carried meaning. When he listened, it was with all his focus.

One evening, we stood near the Nile. The sunset painted the world in molten gold and soft lavender. The air smelled of sweet water and lotus. I closed my eyes, breathing it in.

He stood beside me, still, composed, masked.

I turned to him.

He looked at me.

"May I take your hand?" he asked.

I nodded.

His palm was warm against mine. Steady. Right.

"This is forbidden," I whispered, "but I can’t keep pretending. I feel something when I’m with you."

His breath caught.

"I’ve felt the same… for a long time. I hid it because I had to."

He hesitated, then asked, "May I… kiss you?"

My lips parted. "Yes."

His kiss was soft—like the brush of a lotus petal. Reverent. Unrushed.

When he pulled away, he gently replaced his mask, before I could even open my eyes.

And I was undone.

Renee – POV

I watched the memory bloom like a flower.

This was how it began. Their love story—our love story.

The princess returned to her chamber, her heart soaring. She lay down on her cushions, not fully asleep, not yet.

I lingered still, watching through her.

He remained by the door. Silent.

Then… he moved.

His hand reached up. The mask came down. The cool night air kissed his skin.

And the princess, not yet fully lost to slumber, opened her eyes.

She saw him.

And I saw him.

It was Idris. I had been right. My waking visions hadn’t lied.

My heart raced. I had so many questions—but only one answer mattered:

Why my heart had been echoing his name.

When I finally stirred awake, the sun was rising.

But a part of me was still dreaming.

Still reaching for him.

The man I loved once.

And the one I was falling for again.